Hair condition, whether it is the color, length, or style, can significantly affect the appearance of the person. For this reason, the hair industry has grown into billions and has provided both women and men with different solutions to make their hair more beautiful.
One of the methods used for hair care and beautification are hair extensions. Celebrities and regular people use this when attending events or even daily. As such, when one purchases extensions, they must also know how to take care of it.
If you are new to having hair extensions, here is a guide on how to manage and take care of it so that it will last a long time.
What to do
Wash them frequently
Although some extensions are made out of silicon, there are also those which composes of real hair. Nonetheless, the material of the extension should not deprive it of the benefit of being washed occasionally.
When washing it, make sure that you gently brush the extension before getting it wet to avoid it being entangled. Also, you must use a sulfate or paraben-free shampoo to increase its lifespan. Just like natural hair, it is recommended that hair extensions should be washed at least three times a week.
Use hair fresheners
The key to taking care of an extension is to make sure they remain untangled and that they do not become too dry. Hair extensions do not get nutrients aside from what is applied to them externally. As such, a hair freshener (such as a leave-in conditioner) or a homemade one (mix of Aloe Vera oil, coconut oil, and other essential oils) will help provide your extension the nutrients that it needs to remain lustrous.
What to avoid
Using the dryer
While it may be challenging to wait for your hair to dry naturally, air drying is the best way to make hair extensions last longer. A hairdryer damages natural hair because it blasts a high amount of heat in a short period. While your natural hair can recover because it receives nutrients from your body, the extension may not recover, and the damage can become permanent.
Sleeping with a wet head
As mentioned, hair entanglement is a huge no-no when you have extensions. Therefore, sleeping with a wet head is much discouraged because as you toss and turn in your sleep, the extensions could get stuck. For this reason, you must either take a shower hours before bedtime.
Saltwater and swimming pools
Salt and chlorine can dry out hair extensions quickly. Therefore, taking a dip in the beach or swimming pool can also damage your extensions. If you want to take a swim, you can use a swim cap to cover your hair and make sure that you apply conditioner or hair freshener after taking a dip.
Knowing what to do and what not to do can help in making your extensions last. They can be quite costly, which is why it is in every extension user’s interest to take care of them. By following a good routine, you can enjoy your healthy, long, and luscious locks for an extended period.
